Boy in critical condition, pair held on suspicion of attempted murder

The 8-year-old boy who was found with a skull fracture, several broken ribs and burns to his body, is in critical condition, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

A Palmdale woman and her boyfriend were arrested Thursday in connection with what officials called the attempted murder of the child. His severe injuries are consistent with child abuse, officials said.

According to the Sheriff’s Department: Isauro Aguirre, 32, admitted to injuring the boy. His girlfriend -- the child’s mother, Pearl Fernandez, 29 -- said she was present during the assault and did not intervene.

The county Fire Department responded to the 200 block of East Avenue Q-10 about 11 p.m. Wednesday. The child was treated on the scene and taken to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Deputy John Cereoli said.

Two other children were at the residence and have been taken into protective custody by the Department of Children and Family Services.

Aguirre was arrested and booked at the Lancaster sheriff’s station on suspicion of attempted murder. He is being held on $1-million bail. Fernandez was arrested and booked at the Palmdale sheriff's station on suspicion of child abuse and is being held in lieu of $100,000.